Injection device and ampoule



Sept. 29, 1953 G. N. HEIN, JR 12,553,605

INJECTION DEVICE AND AMPOULE I Filed March 22, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet l 5g 3 kg ATTORNEYS Sept. 29, 1953 G. N. HEIN, JR

INJECTION nsvxca AND AMPOULE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 22, 1951 g s NE 3 g 5 1 P 1953 s. N. HEIN, JR

INJECTION DEVICE AND AMPOULE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 22, 1951 :1 INVENTOR fieagg e Afiirg/x bum KM.

ATTORNEYS Patented Sept. 29, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,653,605 INJECTION DEVICE-AND AMPOULE G or e N- c n r an Gems Galit- App i at on Ma sh 2 .1, ia No- 211 26 Claims. 1 This invention relates to a structurally and functionally improved hypodermic injection device and an ampule usable in connection with'that type of device.

It is an object of the invention to furnish an apparatus having improved functional and structural characteristics and by means of which by podermic injections of medicament may be accomplished without the use of a skin and tissue perforating needle; the medicament being discharged at velocities and in a suificiently fine stream such that penetration of the epidermis by the solution will be achieved.

A further object is thatof providing an ampule for use with an apparatus of this type in which the ampule may conveniently be discarded after a single injection; such unit beingcapable of production at nominal cost and even if formed of glass or other shatterable material embodying an assembly such that the liability of its being accidentally broken will be minimized when the ampule is used with an injection apparatus constructed. in accordance with the present teachings.

With these and. other objects in mind reference is had to the attached sheets of drawings illustrating practical embodiments of the invention and in which:

Fig. l is a side elevation of the apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view thereof;

Figs. 3 and 4 are transverse sectional views taken respectively along the lines 3.-3 and ,4-.,.4 and in the direction of the arrows as indicated in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the positions which the parts assume at the end f;

of the injection stroke;

Fla 6 s an end view f h a paratus;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary side elevation of the rear portion of the same;

Fig. 8 is a sectional side view of a preferred form o mpu e p io oits di h r e;

F .9 sh s that. le-a ter it h been @1 c arg d;

Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing an alternative format structure;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line i l-.! l and in the direction of the arrows as indicated in Fig.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary view of the end of the apparatuses shown in Fig. 10 but illustrating the parts when they have assumed a different position;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view on somewhat en ar d scale nd howin a r h r orm of tru ure;

ing cap or nose piece 24.

Fig. '14 is a. transverse sectional view taken along the line 14-14 and in the direction of the arrows as indicated in Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a side elevation of one of the units of the assembly as shown in Fig. 13; and

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view of an alternative structure.

Referring primarily to Figs. 1 to 7 inclusive, the numeral 20 indicates the exterior casing of the device which may be in the form of a tube. Secured to the rear end of the latter by, for example, threads, is a plate 2i. In turn attached to this is a cap 22 which may be coextensive with the casing 20. To the forward end of tube or casing 20 an extension 23 is conveniently secured by screw threads. This extension mounts a load- Such mounting as shown may be effected. by any suitable form of quick-detachable coupling such as screw threads. The nosepiecei and extension define between them a medicament chamber as hereinafter described.

A plunger assembly has a portion projectibie to cause expulsion of medicament from within that chamber. That portion may be in the form of a stem or plunger 25 slidable within a bore of extension 23. Stem 25 is preferably formed with a bore 26 providing access to the interior of the main body 21 of theassembly; The outer end of bore 26 may normally be sealed by a plug 28 or in any other desired manner. The interior of body 21 is filled with a gas under pressure or otherwise provides a pressure accumulator structure. In most respects, gas is preferred. While the pressures may be of any desired values, I have found that with the parts properly proportioned, satisfactory results are achieved if the pressure within body 21 'isaround 1500 pounds to the square inch. Compressed air may, of course, be employed and as such should be considered as falling within the broad definition of gas. In most respects, however, I prefer to employ an inert gas such as nitrogen.

and nose piece 24 are formed with bores such that they mayreceive an ampule assembly as hereinafter described. The rear portion of the bore formed in extension 23 is such that it may receive the stem 25. At its outer end this bore enlarges to a diameter preferably equal to the bore formed.

in nose piece 24. That bore receives a liner or sleeve 29 of displaceable rubber or similar material. The outer end of the bore within nose piece 24 is reduced and continued in the form of an opening through which a tip 30 may extend having a discharge orifice 3| of minute cross sectional area (for example an orifice of from .004" to .012"). Tip 30 terminates in an enlarged base portion 32. A piercing cannula 33 may be mounted by the tip and base to extend inwardly. The bore defined by sleeve 29 should be just sufficient to receive the ampule.

A preferred form of ampule constructed of glass or similar material has been shown in its initial or unfired stage in Fig. 8. In that view the numeral 34 indicates the glass tube provided adacent its forward or outer end with a pierceable stopper 35. Adjacent its rear end a second stopper 36 may be mounted. In certain instances, this stopper may be dispensed with. However, as a general matter of procedure, it is preferred that it be employed. Both stoppers 35 and 38 are formed of rubber or similar material and stopper 36 is of the piston type. A body of fluid medicament 31 is interposed between stoppers 35 and 36. An actuator forms a part of the ampule assembly and includes a rod portion 38 extending conveniently into the bore of tube 34 to abut against stopper 36. If no such stopper is employed then rod portion 38 may function as an expulsion piston. At a point spaced from the forward end of actuator 38, an outwardly extending flange portion 39 is provided. Again it is preferred to employ such a portion. However, as will be apparent, this part might be dispensed with, if desired. In any event, the entire actuator is formed of a moldable material which, under pressure, will flow to conform to the surfaces of a chamber within which it is confined. A convenient form of material is paraffin. As will be apparent, if the parts of the assembly include generally the configuration disclosed in Fig. 8, then these parts will remain in assembled condition for any desired period of time and will maintain the solution against contamination by air.

Such an ampule assembly is disposed within the bore of sleeve 29 by inserting tube 34 into that sleeve. Prior to this operation nose piece 24 is, of course, dismounted from extension 23. 7

After nose piece 24 is applied to extension 23 it will be apparent that the body or post portion 38 of the actuator will be disposed within the bore of extension 23 if stem 25 is retracted as shown in Fig. 2. With the assembly of the parts, cannula 33 will pierce stopper 35 to establish communication between the orifice 3| and the interior of the ampule. Flange portion 39 will overlie the rear edges of tube 34 and also the end edges of sleeve 29. The actuator being of fiowable or moldable material it follows that if stem 25 is projected pressure will be exerted against stopper 36 (if the latter be employed) and against the end edge of sleeve 29. That sleeve being constructed of rubber or other displaceable material, it follows that the end pressure against it will result in a constriction of its bore so that the surfaces of the latter move into supporting relationship with the outer faces of tube 34 to prevent the latter from bursting incident to the pressures which are generated internally of the same. Such pressures follow as a consequence of the simultaneous projection of rod or post portion 38 into the bore of tube 34 with consequent expulsion of the liquid body 31 through cannula 33 and orifice 3|. If these pressures are sufficiently high and the orifice defines a proper jet of liquid then ejection of the medicament will occur at a velocity and in a sufiiciently fine stream such that it will penetrate the epidermis without the aid of a needle.

The fully discharged position of the ampule assembly has been shown in Fig. 9 and also in connection with the apparatus in Fig. 5. Referring to the former figure, it will be observed that the post portion 38 of the ampule under the urging of stem 25 or its equivalent powering portion has moved into the bore of tube 34 to thus shift stopper 3B or the forward end of the post portion 38 to a point immediately adjacent stopper 35. With the parts thus disposed substantially all medicament 31 within the ampule has been expelled. Flange 39 remains in existence although it may have been slightly reformed to overlap the adjacent end edges of tube 34 as sleeve 29 compresses. As will be understood flange 39 need not necessarily be preformed in that if stem 25 or its equivalent moves with sufficient force and proper space if available, the body of the actuator will be remolded during the expulsion stroke to cause part of that body to extend and bear in compressing engagement with the rear edge of sleeve 29.

While in many respects it is preferred to employ an ampule of this general type to define a medicament chamber, different structures might be employed. One such structure has been shown in Figs. 10 and 12. In those views the numeral 40 indicates an extension or nose piece attached to the main casing of the device and which defines a bore suitable for the reception of the medicament-containing unit. That unit may be formed of rubber or other suitable flexible material and conveniently include a rear stem 4| and a forward cup portion 42. The latter is flared in a forward direction and may define adjacent its rim a flange 43 to extend into a groove formed in the peripheral edge of a base 44 integral with the nozzle tip 45. A loading cap 46 is secured to extension or nose piece 40 by, for example, screw threads. The end of nozzle 45 defines an orifice 41 which is of the desired minute cross sectional area.

If a power assembly including a stem 48 projectible into the bore of extension or nose piece 43 is employed in the structures of Figs. 10 and 12, then that stem will bear against the actuator portion or post 4| and shift the latter as stem 48 is projected. Under these circumstances cup 42 will involute upon post portion 4| and the latter will move through the cup and function as a piston against the body of medicament within the same. This movement of the parts will continue until the forward end of post 4| abuts the base 44 of nozzle 45. Therefore substantially all medicament will be discharged through the orifice 41 of the nozzle. As will be apparent other forms additional to those heretofore described in Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 12 may be employed to furnish a medicament containing chamber. Under ordinary circumstances, however, it is preferred to utilize a structure such as has been shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

Now considering the structure of the operating mechanism as especially shown in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive, it will be seen that the body 21 of the plunger assembly has attached to its rear end by means of threads or in any other desirable manner a tubular portion 49. As shown especially in Fig. 3 an area of the exterior face of this poriently extendedasat .51 ,toiurnmhta hou-s a pinion '52 the :teeth of whichmeshwi rack teeth .50- Also this extended portion. p. 10.- videsa bearing for the endszofashaft; hich ,iS integral with or aflixedsagainst. movement-with respect to pinion 52. One endofcthis shaftmay project beyond portion. 5'! as indicated at 154 to provide a surface suitable for the. mountingof va wrench or crank (not shown). by means of which the shaft and pinion are-turned. AsiniFigflxthe opposite end of the pinion shaft may provide a surface bearing an indicia marki55; This registers with a series of marks '56 formedon the-side face of easing portion 51. It is apparent that this structure will function as a tell-tale in order to indicate the position 'of' the interior mechanism as hereinafter described.

A piston '51 is provided with a rearward extension 58. The latter passes through an opening in plate 2! and into the space defined by cap 22.

' :ficial rubber.

A trigger in the form of an :arm 59 is attached to this extension and projects through a slot formed in the peripheral wall of cap 22. shown especially in Fig. 4 the arc of movement of the trigger arm 59 is limited by adjacent walls. With one of these an adjustable stop intheform of a screw threaded pin 60 may be associated. The end of this pin will contact the side face of lever '59 when the latter is moved to one extreme position. Normally pin 60 will be immovable. However as it is adjusted within limits it will serve to provide a stop governing the speed and flow of fluid in a manner such that the velocity and/or force of projection will be varied. To prevent an accidental rotation of piston 5! incldent to a swinging of trigger arm 59 a safety structure may also be provided. Conveniently as shown, especially in Fig; 4, this may-include a rotatable cam 6| supported upon the cap 22 and which, as shown in Fig. 5,-may be provided with a friction spring, 62 to prevent i t s"bein rotated without; deliberate effort. The cam is mounted upon a shaft-which extends beyond the end of cap. 22 and atthat point mounts a crank 63 It is apparent that when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 4, the trigger lever 59 is held against swinging movements. When cam BI is rotated to have its surfaces clear'the side face of arm 59, then the latter may be swung to rotate piston 51. As shown especially in Fig.1, indicating marks 54 may be provided upon the face of casing 2Q adjacent 'lever'59 to register the positions to which the latter should be shifted in orderto provide for"safety or finj.ection.;" Similarly the face of cap 22 may be provided with indicating marks registering the corresponding positions on the part of lever .53. The indicia at 55 and 56 may furmshcorrespo ding marks.

Piston 51 is hollow and providesa chamber 676.

This chamber has an outlet wallformed withan off-center opening ii! of relatively small area. it is also formed with a central opening which is non-circular in section and Within which a rod.

posed between these elements. At time it The latter itobfii noted thatthe diameter c a e-b.- stantiallyrless than th d ameter f: eiformingapart (if-memberand which receives this cup. Therefore, spaces intervene the adjacentmember and cup surfaces. The base of the cup is formed with acentral opening throu h which ,rod,,68 may pass. It isalso for-med with :an off-center opening 15.

As afore brought out, the interior of the hollow body 2 of the plunger assembly-furnishes an accumulator structure. Extending into thisis-a member generally referred to as an extensible formed of other materialsthan rubber or-arti- The face of the diaphragm orits peripheraledgesare secured to the forward edge .of member .49 by being clamped, for example, between that tube and the rear edge of member 21. As willbeapparentinlieu of the sack illustrated any desired extensible structure such as a metallic bellows .or corresponding unitmightbe mounted atthis point. In any event, the diaphragm-serves to isolate the gas under pressure from materials to the rear of the same. Such material in the-present exemplification may be a relatively thick fluid in the form of a body of grease H. 7

Considering primarily the operation of the expelling or injecting mechanism as shown in Figs. 1 to 7 inclusive and disregarding for the moment the ejection of the medicament it will be understool that with an apparatus constructed as described the safety lever 63 as well as the trigger 59 are initially swung to their safe positions indicated by the indica 54 and 65. Thereupon a suitable wrench (a portion of which has been indicated by the numeral 78 in Fig. 3) is applied to the non-circular end 54 of a shaft mounting pinion 52. This wrench or crank preferably embodies a structure such that it has lost motion when turned in an improper direction. That direction would be clockwise as viewedin Fi g s. 2 and 5. The socket portions of the wrench turn with the handle or arm of the latter as it is swung in a counter-clockwise direction according to those views. So swung it will rotate pinion 52. The teeth of the latter engage with the teeth of rack 50. Therefore that rack together with member 49 of which it forms a partwill beretracted or, in other words, moved to the right as viewed in Figs. 2 and'5. As the member 49 is shifted from the position shown in Fig. 5 to that illustrated in Fig. 2, material 11 within the hollow portion 66 of piston '51 will displace through an opening or openings 61 into the interior of cup '13. This will occurbecause rod 68 is beingprojected into chamber 66. In this connection it will be understood that with the initiation of m e t s h as he re n al 53 w have moved to the position shown in Fig. 5 where it engages the stop orring H. Suc Shifting will occur because vmaterial .11 has displaced from cup 13 and will pass through the central opening and opening 15 in the base of the .cup to act against the inner face of valve 69. Therefore as the parts are shifted to retracted or cooked position the body of material 11 will increasingly move into the interior of the expandible or diaphragm member 16 to extend andfill the latter despite the pressure existing within the interior of unit 21.

Incident t0. the pressure acting upon diaphragm .16 it is apparent that when the parts reach their fully retracted position as in Fig. 2 the body of material I1 (which is now mainly within the diaphragm) will cause the face of valve 69 to move into sealing contact with the adjacent face of the base of cup 13. Therefore no fluid or greas may flow through opening 15. However if the safety lever or equivalent olement 63 is swung to the position indicated by the letter I 65, then trigger 59 may shift from a position in line with the S of indicia 54 toward a position in line with I of that indicia.

As trigger 59 is swung it is apparent it will rotate stem 58 as well as piston 57. Due to the conforming and non circular faces of rod 58 and the opening in the base of piston 5'! through which that rod extends such rotation will also be transmitted to the rod as well as th valve mounted by the same. As valve body 63 rotates with respect to the base of cup 13 the notch ll! of the valve will align with the opening '55. There" fore fluid in the form of grease or other material may flow through opening 15 of cup '53. Consequently, during cocking valve 69 will be instantly moved outwardly by the fiowable material to the position indicated in 5. This will be true b cause the material Will bear against the under face of that valve to thus shift the latter into engagement with the stop However, during the injection, or working stroke of the parts, valve 69 would merely turn to uncover orifice 15. Accordingly, grease will, under these circumstances, be free to flow into the piston chamber and the valve would be held adjacent to its seat by the rearward flow of the grease the viscosity of the latter between the valve seat and head. During injection, the pressure below valve 69 would never exceed that existing beyond that valve or, in other words, within the diaphragm 15. Therefore material '5! under the pressure exerted by the gas within hollow body 2! will be forced by the inner face of the diaphragm to flow into the space intervening the base of cup 13 and the end of piston 5'! as Well as into the chamber 65 of the latter. This action of the parts will continue until the body 2'! has been fully projected. The extent of such projection well as the fully cooked and discharge positions will, of course, be evidenced by the tell-tale provided by the indicia 5556. As will b understood prior to the release or shifting of trigger 59 the crank has been detached from portion 5 and during the projection of the parts stem has moved in unison with body 2?. During the operation of the parts seal or packing E4 is constantly under pressure. Therefore leakages at this point are negligible.

Now considering solely the expulsion of medicament regardless of the power means employed to assure this result it will be understood that when the parts were in cocked position, an empule of the type shown in Fig. 8 might have been disposed with its post portion 38 extending into the bore of extension 23. Thereupon, with nose piece 24 applied to the extension the forward end of the ampule would be in communication with the bore 3! of tip 3 3. Under these circumstances flange 39 would overlie the rear edge of auipule 34 and bear against compressible sleeve 29. Therefore as projection of stem 25 occurred post 38 would have its material flow so as to eject the medicament 31 from within the bore of tube 34 by subjecting that body of medicament to high pressure. Simultaneously th exterior face of the ampule would be subjected to substantially equal pressures incident to the compression of sleeve 29. Therefore the danger of the ampule shattering would be nullified or rendered extremely remote. When the base of member 2! reached its point adjacent the rear face of extension 23 substantially all medicament will be discharged as shown in Fig. 5. Therefore by now removing nosepiece 24 the spent ampule can be removed and discarded. In such removal it might, in most instances, be desirable to apply wrench 18 to the shaft mounting pinion 52 for the purpose of rotating the latter to a minute extent such as would cause a slight retraction of the parts with consequent relief of bearing pressures.

Obviously a similar result would be achieved if the medicament chamber embraced a structure such as has been shown in Figs. 10 and 12. To employ such a chamber a nosepiece of the type shown at 40 in these figures would be substituted for the extension and nose piece or loading cap shown in the earlier figures. In any event as illustrated in Figs. 10 and 12, the projection of the stem 48 would cause post 4! to be projected. This would cause the base of the cup side walls 42 to be inverted on post 3 this operation continuing until substantially a. complete discharge of the medicament body within the cup had been efiected.

In Figs. 10, 11 and 12 a somewhat simplified form of projecting mechanism has been shown in comparison with that illustrated in the earlier figures. The stem iii in these views be closed by a plug T9 with which sealing material may be associated after body has had its .itcrior charged with suitable gas under pressure. This structure may be identical with the detailed design at this point in the earlier figures. Likewise body at is enclosed within a tubular casing 35 within which it slides and the rear end of this body is attached by threads or in any other desired manner to the forward end of a hollow member 82. The latter also supports an extensible or diaphragm member which is filled with greas 84 or other suitable material. lvlember 82 presents a bore within which a piston 85 rides. The latter may be secured to or disposed adjacent the end cap or plate 86. A seal 8'! is conveniently carried in a groove forming a part of piston 85 and bears in contact with the inner bore face of member 82. The face of that member is provided with an orifice 88 for the passage of the material 84. Preferably no metering pin extends through this orifice although such a structure might be employed if desired. In any event it is apparent that a valve assembly is not present at this point. Therefore with the interior of body Eli being under proper pressure (for example around 150.) pounds per square inch) it follows that seal $2 is constantly under pressure. Therefore leakage. at this point are avoided.

Tubular casing 8| may be provided with an extended portion 89 which houses a pinion SE1 and rotatably supports the ends of a shaft 9! afiixed to or integral with that pinion. The teeth of the latter, in addition to meshing with the teeth of a rack 92, provide an annular ratchet. A spring pressed pawl 93 cooperates with this ratchet and is pivotally supported as at $54. A cam $9 is rotatably supported to extend adjacent the arm of pawl 93. A suitable actuating portion 96 is connected with cam 95.

The same procedure as heretofore described in connection with the operation of the apparatus of Figs. 1 to '7 inclusive occurs also in connection with this structure. More particularly a crank or other suitable actuating member is coupled to shaft 9| and pinion is rotated to retract member 82. With cam 95 in the position shown in Fig. 10, pawl 93 will prevent'any acci-' 10. If, therefore, a medicament chamber (such as a'cup or ampu1esee Figs. 8 and 10respec tively) is disposed in operative association with the outer end of the apparatus and the parts of that outer end are assembled in the manner shown, the device will be ready for functioning. Such functioning will involve the placing of the apparatus in proper position with respect to the area to be injected. Thereafter it will include an operation of the actuator 95 inorder to rock cam 95 and release pawl 93 fromtheteeth of ratchet pinion 90. Under these circumstances, the latter is free to rotate.

80, its stem 48 and the unit 82 willmove forward as a single assembly. This will cause a discharge of the medicament under desired pressures and velocities. It is found with an apparatus of this type that greater release noise is presentthan in connection with the structure of the earlier figures. Where such an effect is not objectionable this simplified assembly may therefore be used.

In Figs. 13, 14 and 15 an assembly has been shown which, in many respects is similar to that illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7 inclusive. However a pressure regulating structure is embodied in theassembly of the later figures. In these the numeral 97 indicates the casing or exterior tube of the device conveniently provided with an extended portion 98 within which a pinion 95 rotates. The teeth of the latter mesh with the teeth of a rack I50 forming apart of a member IOI corresponding to member 49 and similarly to the former having a hollow body attached to its outer end and also mounting the base of a diaphragm or extensible unit. Within the bore of member I'I a cup-shaped unit: I02 is" disposed; This unit is spaced from the inner face of member IOI and an end plug a seal I04 in position and so that wipingcontact over the outer surface of piston I05 follows. This seal, of course, also'prevents leakage. Pis-' ton I05 is formed with a chamber I06 from which an off-center opening I 0? extends. This. opening is in addition to a central opening having a non-circular configuration and with which the correspondingly faced edge portions-of a rod. I08 cooperate.

The base of the cup-shaped unit I02 is also formed with an off-center opening. I09 and a circular opening through which rod I08 extends. A valve H0 is carried by the outer end of the rod and has its movements axially of member IOI limited by a stop conveniently in the form of a snap ring III. The rear end of piston I05 may be counterbored and receive a spring IIZ which bears against its base; the opposite end of thespring bearing against a washer II3 engaged by a screw II4. bearing in a plug II5 to which: is attached: a lever or trigger I I6. Secured to this plug by, for example, screw threads is a collar I H. The latter carries a pin II8 riding, within an arcuate slot formed in casing 91. Also it carries a, pin II9 which rides within a helically extending groove I20 forming a part of piston I05. As shown especially in Fig. 14 a stop pin I20 may have one end of a spring I2I bearing against it, the opposite end of this springv bearing against.

Therefore member I03 may maintain.

Screw II4 has threaded valve: I I0. Thiss'tructure will serve to take up back lash or play between post or rod I08 and.

the orifice or opening which is centrally disposed within the base of piston I05.

Considering the-operation of the assembly as shown especially'in'Fig. 13 it is apparent that if the parts are cocked the. operator may-upon desiring. to fire the device-simply rock trigger or lever: II 6 with respect to casing 97. The amount of movement between the parts will, of course/be limited bypin II8 moving between the ends of the slot or groove within which it rides. In any event, a turning or rocking of lever IIS will cause a rotation of plugv H5 and sleeve II? and a rotation. of piston I05. Cone sequently valve IIO will also beoscillated. This will 'resu-lt in an uncovering of the passage I09 by the valve in the manner previously described. Therefore grease under pressure will be free to pass through passage 99 and act against the outer face of piston I05.

If: the pressure so exerted issufiiciently great then spring I I2'will be c'ompressedand the piston will move rearwardly. Incident to. such rearward movement the helical groove IZt in cooperation with'pin II9will cause a limited rotation of the piston. This, in turn, will result in a partial closing of the valve IIO. Consequently the action of the parts will be slowed down due to the drop of pressure. As 'soonas this occurs spring 2 will thrust piston I05 forwardly to again open valve I I0 t'o argreater extent. Thus during the entire working stroke the parts will automatically adjust to cause a pre-determinedspeedof operation. It is apparent that this speed maybe adjusted by adjusting theiposition of pin IN to thus vary thetension onv spring II2.

Finally, if in any or all. of the foregoing constructions, difficulties arep'experien'ced incident to an escape of grease 'I'I' 8'4or other fluid, then a structure such as is suggested in Fig; 16 may be employed. Aswill be seen in that view the numeral I22 indicates the body of the member upon which theratchet teeth are formed and I23 the body of the piston slidable within the bore of cup-shaped member I20. Any desired number of. channels I25 may exist between the body of member I22 and the. outer face of cup I24. A

plug or ring I26 convenientlycloses the. rear end of body I22. and a gasket. of suitable resilient material indicatedat I21 may be interposed between the-inneriface of this ring and the rear edge of cup I24- An enlarged space is conveniently furnished adjacent the rear end of body I22 and a. suitable seal I28 is disposed within this space. .Interposed between seals I21 and I28 is a ring. I29 the forward space of which has an area in excess of the rear face of the same. This excess area may be fractionally larger or up'to several times as large according to the needs of. any given installation. In any eventassuming that grease, for example under 1500 pounds pressure, is flowing within channel I25 it will act against seal I28 and the larger face: of ring I20 in order to shift the latter rearwardly against seal I21. If, for example, the rear face of ring I20 ish'alf the area of its forward face then (aside from friction and other losses)" seal I2! is forced into contact with the face of piston I 23 at a pressure of 3,000 pounds to the square inch. If a construction such as this is employed, any suitable number of vent holes I30 may be provided through the body of member I22. These will prevent undue pressure 11 from building up within the sealing area; thereby equalizing differential pressure.

In the several forms of actuating apparatus illustrated it is apparent that a piston unit is, in each instance, preferably employed adjacent the rear of the casing. It is this unit upon which the hollow member reciprocates. Even if an interposed cup-shaped element is provided the grease or other fluid acts against the outer or forward face of the piston in order to exert the necessary thrust. In each instance a metered or controlled flow of the fluid being displaced is effected. This control either occurs as a consequence of the size of the opening or openings through which the fluid flows rearwardly or the metering structure afforded incident to the valve support. In the latter connection it will be understood that any desired result might be achieved by contouring the surfaces of the parts as taught in my prior application for United States Letters Patent on Injection Device filed in the U. S. Patent Office on December 19, 1950 and identified under Serial Number 201,588. Finally as previously outlined it is preferred to employ an ampule involving a moldable or fiowable post or flange portion in connection with an apparatus embodying the structure as taught in the present application. As shown the structure of the ampule tube or post may be modified so that the two interlock to prevent accidental separation of these elements. However it will be understood that an ampule discharging assembly of a different structure might, in many instances, be used to advantage.

Thus, among others, the several objects of the invention as specifically aforenoted are achieved. Obviously numerous changes in construction and rearrangement of the parts might be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

I claim:

1. An injection device including in combination a hollow body, a member reciprocal within said body, a medicament-expelling part connected to said member to be movable therewith, said member being hollow and containing gas under pressure, a unit fixed with respect to said body and distensible into said member to increase the pressure of gas within the same, means providing a chamber in communication with the interior of said unit to receive flowable material and means for retracting said member to cause said material to flow from said chamber to said unit.

2. An injection device including in combination a hollow body, a member reciprocal within said body, a medicament-expelling part con nected to said member to be movable therewith. said member being hollow and containing gas under pressure, a unit fixed with respect to said body and distensible into said member to increase the pressure of gas within the same, means providing a chamber in communication with the interior of said unit to receive flowable material, means for retracting said member to cause said material to flow from said chamber to said unit and valve means disposed between said chamber and unit for controlling such flow.

3. An injection device including in combination a hollow body, a member reciprocal within said body, a medicament-expelling part connected to said member to be movable therewith, said member being hollow and containing gas under pressure, a unit fixed with respect to said body and distensible into said member to increase the pressure of gas within the same, means providing a chamber in communication with the interior of said unit to receive flowable material, means for retracting said member to cause said material to flow from said chamber to said unit, valve means disposed between said chamber and unit for controlling such flow and means disposed adjacent one end of said body and extending beyond the face of the latter for controlling the action of said valve means.

4. An ampule including a tubular body, thrusttransmitting means projectible through the bore of said body for expelling liquid from within the same and means forming a part of said thrusttransmitting means to move adjacent the outer surface of said body to cause the same to be supported against bursting.

5. An ampule including a tubular body, thrusttransmitting means projectible through the bore of said body for expelling liquid from within the same, means forming a part of said thrusttransmitting means to move adjacent the outer surface of said body to cause the same to be supported against bursting and said thrusttransmitting means being mounted adjacent one of the ends of said ampule.

6. As an article of manufacture a moldable body for disposal adjacent the end of an ampule from which medicament is to be expelled, said body comprising a part to act against an ampule for effecting such expulsion, a part to cause pressure to be exerted against the exterior of said ampule for supporting the same and a part to be acted upon by pressure means to shift said body and cause divided flow thereof between the first named parts of said body,

'7. An ampule including a tubular body, a piston mounted adjacent one end of said body, thrust transmitting means projectible against said piston and through the bore of said body for expelling liquid from within the same and means forming a part of said thrust-transmitting means to move adjacent the outer surface of said body to cause the same to be supported against burstmg.

8. As an article of manufacture an ampule including in combination a tubular body within the bore of which medicament is to be disposed, said body presenting a discharge end and a post of flowable material disposed adjacent the opposite end of said body.

9. As an article of manufacture an ampule including in combination a tubular body within the bore of which medicament is to be disposed, said body presenting a discharge end, a post of flowable material disposed adjacent the opposite end of said body and means for retaining said post in association with said body.

10. An injection apparatus comprising in combination a body, means adjacent one end of said body to provide a mounting for a medicament chamber, means movable Within said body and projectible towards said chamber said means comprising a hollow unit containing gas under pressure, a piston disposed adjacent the opposite end of said body, a cylinder member slidable over the surfaces of said piston and furnished with an opening towards said hollow unit, a diaphragm mounted by said cylinder and extending into said unit and means for reciprocating said cylinder over said piston.

11. A hypodermic injection device including in combination a body, means associated with said body to provide a mounting for a medicamentcontaining chamber, a plunger projectible towards said mounting to expel medicamentjfrom a chamber associated therewith, an accumulator to contain fluid under pressure, means provided with a fluid passage and connected to said'plunger to move as the latter is retracted and to increase the pressure within said accumulator,

means against which the fluid under pressurere acts to cause a projection of said plunger and a valve shiftable to controi the flow offluid through said passage. V 12. A hypodermic injection devic'eincludin'g in combination a body, means associated with said body to provide a mounting for a medicament containing chamber, a plunger projectible to wards said mounting to expelmedicament from a chamber associated therewith, an accumulator to contain fluid under pressure, means provided with a fluid passage and connected tosaid slung-- combination a body, means associated with said body to provide a mounting for a medicament containing chamber, a plunger pr'ojectible towards said mounting to expel medicament from a chamber associated therewith, an accumulator to contain fluid under pressure, means provided with a fluid passage and connected to said plunger to move as the latter is retracted and to increase the pressure within said accumulator; means against which the fluid under pressure reacts to cause a projection of said plunger, a valve shiftable to control the flow of fluid through said passage and a valve actuator extending adjacent the outer face of said body and rotatable with respect to the latter, said actuator being connected to said valve to move the latter.

14. A hypodermic injection device including in combination a body, means associated with said body to provide a mounting for a medicamentcontaining chamber, a plunger projectible towards said mounting to expel medicament from a chamber associated therewith, an accumulator to contain fluid under pressure, means provided with a fluid passage and connected to said plunger to move as the latter is retracted and to increase the pressure within said accumulator, a piston carried by said body and extending into said last named means to provide a reaction point such that said plunger will project under the pressure of said fluid and a valve shiftable to control the flow of fluid through said passage.

15. A hypodermic injection device including in combination a body, means associated with said body to provide a mounting for a medicamentcontaining chamber, a plunger projectible towards said mounting to expel medicament from a chamber associated therewith, an accumulator to contain fluid under pressure, means provided with a fluid passage and connected to said plunger to move as the latter is retracted and to increase the pressure within said accumulator, means against which the fluid under pressure reacts to cause a projection of said plunger, a valve shiftable to control the flow of fluid through said passage, a rack connected to said plunger to move with the latter and a pinion rotatably carried by aid may the having itsteeth cooperating with wards said mounting to expel medicament from a' chamber ass'ociatr'ad therewith, said plunger containing gas under pressure, a piston carried by said body, a member ensleeved over said pis ton'and'forme'd with a passage for the flow or liq}- uid, a diaphragm carried by said member and separating the interior of the latter from'the' gas within said plunger and a valve'controlling the flowbf liquid through said 1Oassdggi. V

17. n hy'pode'rmic injection device including in com'bmation a body, means associatedwith said'bod'yto provide a mounting tor a medica-' ment 'containing chamber, a plunger projecti'bl'e' towards said mounting to expel medicament from a chamber associated therewith, said plunger containing gas under pressure, a piston carried by said body, a member ensleeved over said piston and formed with a passage for the' flow of liquid, a diaphragm carried by said mem ber a'nd's'eparating the interior of the latterfro'm the gas within said plunger, a valve disposedadjacent said passagefor controlling the flowof liquid therethrough, means for connecting said valve with saidpiston and means for rotat; ing said piston with respe'ct to said body for similarly moving said valve and controlling the flowof liquid through said passage. p

18. A hypodermic injection device including in combination a body, means associated with said body to provide a mounting for 'a medi'ca; ment-containirlg chamber, a plunger projectible towards said mounting to ex el medicament from a chamber associated therewith, said plunger containing a gas under pressure, a piston carried by said body, 'a member ensle'e'ved over said piston and movable with said plunger, a diaphragm carried by said member and extending into said plunger, a rack forming a part of said member, a pinion having its teeth cooperable with the teeth of said rack for retractin the latter and said plunger and releasable means engaging said pinion to free the latter for rotation and said rack for projection.

19. A hypodermic injection device including in combination a body, means associated with said body to provide a medicament chamber, an ampule disposable within said chamber, displaceable material intervening the outer face of said ampule and the inner face of said chamber, an actuator associated with said ampule to move with respect to the same to eject medicament therefrom and cause a displacement of said material such that said ampule is supported and power means for causing a shifting of said actuator.

20. A hypodermic injection device including in combination a body, means associated with said body to provide a mounting for a medicamentcontaining chamber, a plunger projectible towards said mounting to expel medicament from a. chamber associated therewith, said plunger being hollow and containing gas under pressure, a member carried by said plunger to move with the same, a diaphragm supported by said member and extending into the plunger, a piston carried by said body, a spring urging said piston to a. projected position, a cup ensleeved over said piston and carried by said member, said cup 15 being formed with an opening, a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through said opening and means for shifting said valve.

21. An ampule including in combination a tubular body to receive fluid medicament, means adjacent one end of said body for preventing an escape of fluid therefrom, means adjacent the opposite end of said body and movable through the bore of the same for expelling fluid from such body and means forming a part of said last-named means to shift exteriorally of said ampule and cause its body to be supported against bursting.

22. An ampule including a tubular body to receive fluid medicament, means adjacent one end of said body for preventing an escape of fluid therefrom, a piston adjacent the opposite end of said body and movable through the bore of the same for expelling fluid from said ampule and a mass of flowable material arranged beyond the outer face of said piston and shiftable exteriorally of said ampule to cause the body of the latter to be supported against bursting.

23. An ampule including in combination a tubular body to receive fluid medicament, a pierceable stopper adjacent one end of said body for preventing an escape of fluid therefrom, a piston adjacent the opposite end of said body and movable through the bore of the same for expelling fluid from said ampule and a mass of displaceable material disposed beyond the exterior face of said piston to shift exteriorally of said ampule and cause its body to be supported against bursting.

24. An injection device including in combination a hollow body, a member reciprocal within said body, a medicament-expelling part connected to said member to be movable therewith, a pressure accumulator associated with said member, a distendable unit acting against said accumulator to increase the pressure of the same, means providing a chamber in communication 16 with the interior of said unit to receive flowable material and means for retracting said member with respect to said body.

25. A hypodermic injector including in combination a hollow body, a piston assembly projectible therein to expel medicament from a chamber forming a part of said body, said assembly including a pair of spaces connected by a passage, one of said spaces being charged with gas under pressure, an expansible unit mounted by the said assembly and extending into said one space, the interior of said unit and the other of said spaces receiving fluid displaceable from one to the other through said passage, means mounted by said body and acting against the fluid in the other space to displace the same into said unit to expand the latter against the gas within said one space and means interposed within said passage for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough.

26. A hypodermic injector including in combination a hollow body, a piston assembly projectible therein to expel medicament from a chamber forming a part of said body, said assembly including a pair of spaces connected by a passage, one of said spaces being charged with gas under pressure, an expansible unit mounted by the said assembly and extending into said one space, the interior of said unit and the other of said spaces receiving fluid displaceable from one to the other through said passage, means mounted by said body and acting against the fluid in the other space to displace the same into said unit to expand the latter against the gas within said one space, valve means interposed in said passage for governing the flow of fluid therethrough and means for shifting the position of said valve means.

GEORGE N. HEIN, JR.

No references cited. 

